Feature: Railways
High-voltage frame configuration for rail applications
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Trains carrying passengers and goods are very important in many
Setting the stage for a new industry standard
By Rob Smeets, Product Manager, Roofline, TE Connectivity
T
he railway industry across the globe is seeing improvements in train roofline systems. Tese systems are very important in running trains: high-voltage locomotives are powered by up to 25,000V of alternating current, delivered through the roofline system, with associated equipment
mounted on the rooſtop. For all these functions, relatively large components are needed, requiring sufficient electrical clearance and creepage. In addition, their location means they are exposed to the external environment, which can be challenging for their successful operation.
30 June 2022
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
parts of the world, and in Europe operators are running double- decker carriages to increase capacity. But, the increased height of the trains leaves less clearance for the roofline system powering electric locomotives. And high-pollution areas (such as tunnels, for example) create another challenge: particulates impede smooth operation of the high-voltage components, which means more space is needed around them for air insulation. For passengers, trains also need to be increasingly luxurious and
refined, with features including air conditioning, Wi-Fi and more. Te associated equipment is oſten mounted on the rooſtop as well, but can’t be installed near the high-voltage components because of their requirement for more air-insulation space. Considering all these parameters means that train designers face
many challenges when developing modern-day roofline systems that must also adhere to industry standards.
High-tech problem solving Our team of engineers at TE was determined to address these design challenges. TE’s in-house material specialists, with expertise in high-voltage systems – especially for trains and renewable energy applications, developed the perfect solution: Te 25kV locomotives are powered by overhead lines via a pantograph – a jointed framework that carries the current. A transformer then converts the power to a lower voltage on which the train operates. Because these trains require so much power, the pantograph,
transformer, cables and other components must have safety guarantees and be approved by governmental agencies. Proving this level of safety and obtaining the certification is not always a quick process, which is why railway manufacturers can be cautious and hesitant when considering switching from tried and tested technology to something new.
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